Americans are wiping out Canada with their toilet paper use

By Daelyn Davis

On average, a single American uses three rolls of toilet paper per week.  Americans use toilet paper more than any other country, according to Fortune.com.

Most toilet paper is made from Canada’s boreal forest.  This forest contains spruce, pine, fir and aspen trees which are softwoods, useful for making soothing toilet paper. Although it may bring in lots of money to Canada it can also be very damaging.  

Robert Davies, a forester with the Essex Region Conservation Authority, says American companies buy boreal tree pulp because it’s cheaper than sources in the U.S.

Approximately one tree can make up to 1,500 rolls of toilet paper. At three rolls per person per week, Americans may be wiping out the forest faster than it can grow.

“Depending on the species, cutting cycles can vary,” said Davies. “ You can have rotations as short as 20 years for species like aspen.”

David Gomez Jr, a student at St.Clair College, was overwhelmed after hearing Americans use three rolls of toilet paper per week.    

“I only use one third of a roll a week. Americans should definitely cut back on their toilet paper usage,” said Gomez. “Canadians may use less toilet paper because of being environmentally conscious or possibly because there are better and stronger brands of toilet paper that allow them to use a minimal amount while getting the job done.”

Commercial toilet paper has been in use for less than 200 years, but the environmental damage is already piling up.  Trees are vital to human survival, providing oxygen, supporting wildlife, and contributing to water conservation. A billion rolls of toilet paper a week makes for a lot of benefits being flushed down the drain.